294	GUJARATA AND ITS LITERATURE
words like to and sr$r irrespective of sense, and of
metaphors mixed several times over, has set the fashion
for verbal freaks of vague or no meaning.
XI
With the spread of English education in Gujarata, garabl,
the dance, fell into disrepute among the educated ladies, till
theatrical companies like Sri Morbi and Vankaner Nataka
Samajas with their traditions of Kathiavada, gave it a place
on the stage. The garabl recaptured public interest; was
introduced into the schools; and in a few years regained
its lost hold over Gujarati women. Nanalal furnished them
with an appealing literary accompaniment. With the
modern outlook, the prudery of educated woman came to
an end; and in Bombay with its facilities for procuring
musical, scenic and lighting equipments for the occasion,
the progressive women of the city have made of the garabl
an artistic dance of growing beauty and rhythm.
Nanalal's garabls—the number of which is now over
two hundred—are sometimes a modern edition of an old
one of Dayarama's or some obscure author's. But he in-.,
variably transmutes the old material into gold. He main-
tains a high level of rich poetic diction. He manipulates
words of inexpressible charm. He subordinates the
stereotyped attitude of Radha towards Krishpa to an
appealing subjectivity, suppressing the outspoken sensuali-
ty of older poets. The old-world flavour is retained by
words, lines, and tricks of repetition familiar to folk-
garabls. Objects of nature, familiar to older poets like the
moon, peacock, cloud and spring, are described with
ecstatic delight Sentiments are etherealised by the poet's
trick of introducing words of vague meaning associa-
ted with the high atmosphere of classic tradition. Every
lyric is put to a folk tune of captivating lilt. A subtle
touch of emotion; a brief experience; witching words of
poetic value; a haunting tune—and sense, sound and
rhythm combine to produce the garabl of Nanalal.
Gopiknm Gorasl, The milk-pot of the Cowherdess, is a
modern version of an ancient subject
Lo!   The gopil^i's milk-pot is ft* to the brim,